atopic dermatitis
nounMedical Definition of atopic dermatitis
: a chronic, eczematous skin condition that primarily affects children, is marked especially by intense itching, inflammation, and xerosis, and occurs chiefly in those with a personal or familial history of atopy
The hallmarks of atopic dermatitis are a chronic, relapsing form of skin inflammation, a disturbance of epidermal-barrier function that culminates in dry skin, and IgE-mediated sensitization to food and environmental allergens.— Thomas Bieber, The New England Journal of Medicine, 3 Apr. 2008
—abbreviation AD